Asylum Mock Trial

What are the winning strategies to help you succeed in your client’s asylum case? Join a retired Immigration Judge and a rock star team of attorneys for a comprehensive deep-dive into the anatomy of an asylum case! This full-day session in the format of a mock trial will feature a variety of special presentations designed to arm you with the information and tools to be the best advocate for your client. Attorney Sheri Hoidra will review the I-589 asylum application form, as well as the organization of the supporting document stack for defensive filings. The session will also focus on “prima facie” eligibility for relief and best practices to avoid work authorization complications. Judge Lisa Dornell will preside over a Master Calendar Hearing, which is similar to a preliminary hearing in the criminal court context. She’ll discuss the details of how Individual Hearings take place and how immigration judges review the merits of a case. The Master Calendar session will review the charges of inadmissibility in the Notice to Appear. Attorney Miguel Palmeiro will represent the asylum-seeker, explain the relief sought to the Court, request an interpreter, and consider whether to apply for Post Conclusion Voluntary Departure. At the Individual Hearing, he will represent the Respondent in presenting the asylum case through an opening, direct examination, and closing statement. Attorney Adam Crandell will represent the Department of Homeland Security in the Master Calendar and Individual Hearing, giving attendees a realistic perspective of how asylum proceedings take place. Finally, Judge Dornell will issue a ruling, and regardless of the outcome, attendees will understand what needs to be done after an asylum approval or in the event an Order of Removal is placed on the record.